So’oialo hails SA’s attacking evolution

Rodney So’oialo says South African franchises are catching up to Australasian teams in terms of their attacking play.

So’oialo was brutally honest in his assessment of the South African’s style both past and present.

‘Australia has always been a similar style of play to New Zealand rugby, and I think Africa is catching up in that area,” he told the Dominion Post.

‘They are playing more of a New Zealand style, especially in the backs. They’ve been playing us for 100 years, so it’s about time they caught on. They’ve got a few New Zealand coaches there and with technology … they were always going to get better.’

The All Blacks No 8 said the South African’s are always physical in the forwards but intimated that they were predictable in their approach. He said that was changing and this meant South African teams were an altogether tougher proposition.

‘They’ve always been good [athletes], but I think they are only starting to recognise what they have. Like any other team, you utilise your strengths,’ he added.

‘You go back to the whole South African squad and they are a very talented team and they certainly know how to play the game … with that added size it makes them tough to beat.’

[keo]